Do we still need cash? The days of holding dollar notes in our hands may be numbered. The advancement of technology of new electronic and mobile devices in today's world is set to revolutionize how we make payments. With a swipe of a card or a click of a mobile- phone app, our entire wealth is literally at our fingertips. As digital forms are increasingly replacing cash payments, some think that we should become fully cash free. However, I do not believe we should move towards a completely cash-free society.
One of the main concerns of a cashless world is the risk of fraud (欺诈) and ironically, the inconvenience that follows. Numerous incidents in recent years have warmed us that the digital world is not completely safe, especially with regard to personal information parked online which are easily traceable. In addition, many online shopping sites lack strong fraud deterrence (威慑) systems that would protect their clients' personal credentials. In a cashless society, a victim of fraud would find himself locked out of his account and unable to access his funds until the case is solved.
Another reason we should not move towards completely cashless is that mankind might potentially become less thrifty. As it is, payments with credit cards have already eased that psychological pain somewhat.
Proponents of a cashless society agree that cash-free transactions(交易)could potentially reduce inequality in society by making financial transaction more transparent and reducing corruption, thus benefiting the poor. However, despite this promise, we cannot choose to ignore the fact that a large proportion of poor people in the developing world depend on cash to buy everyday goods such rice and vegetables that are priced at minute amounts. It does not make economic sense to host such transactions on a network.
The idea of society eventually going completely cashless is a very real, even an exciting one. However, to safeguard the interests of all users, it is better to reduce our enthusiasm—perhaps to be a less-cash society rather than a completely cashless one is a more reasonable option.
